Honouring Black History Month 2026
- NSWOCC
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 5
Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations
Each February, people across Canada come together to mark Black History Month—a time to honour the legacy, achievements, and ongoing contributions of Black communities who have helped shape this country.
The Government of Canada has announced the 2026 theme for Black History Month:“30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”
This milestone theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by recognizing the enduring impact of Black Canadians across time. It honours nation builders—those who advanced civil rights, strengthened social justice, and shaped Canada’s cultural and political landscape—while also uplifting tomorrow’s visionaries: emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers redefining excellence across every field.
By centring Black Brilliance Across Generations, the theme highlights continuity, resilience, and progress. It invites reflection on historical achievements while inspiring future possibilities, reinforcing that Black history is not only about the past, but about shaping Canada’s future. This intergenerational lens strengthens community pride and aligns with broader goals of equity, inclusion, and collective responsibility.
Our Commitment at Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada
As February marks Black History Month, it is also a time to reflect on ongoing challenges, including systemic barriers and discrimination that continue to impact Black communities—particularly within healthcare systems.
NSWOCC proudly acknowledges the pivotal role of Black nurses in shaping Canada’s nursing profession. In past years, we have highlighted trailblazers such as Dr. Carrie M. Best, Bernise Redmon, and Clotilda Adessa Yakimchuk, whose leadership and advocacy paved the way for future generations. This year, guided by the theme Black Brilliance Across Generations, our Membership Core Program is delighted to highlight the story of Gloria Baylis: A Trailblazer in Canadian Healthcare and Civil Rights:
Honouring Gloria Baylis: A Trailblazer in Canadian Healthcare and Civil Rights
By Laura Patterson, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), CCHN(C)
Gloria Leon Baylis (née Clarke) was a pioneering figure in Canadian healthcare and civil rights. Born June 29, 1929, in Barbados, she migrated to Montreal in 1952 after training in England to become a nurse. Baylis worked at several Montreal hospitals, including the Montreal General Hospital and Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, where she served as an operating room supervisor. Her dedication to patient care and professional excellence laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.
In 1964, Baylis became the central figure in Canada’s first successful employment-related racial discrimination case. After being denied a nursing position at Montreal’s Queen Elizabeth Hotel one day after Quebec’s anti-discrimination law came into effect, she filed a complaint under the new legislation. The court ruled in her favour in 1965, and after an 11-year legal battle, the decision was upheld in 1977. Although the employer was only fined $25, the ruling marked a significant milestone in Canadian human rights history, as it represented the first conviction of racial discrimination in employment in the country.
Beyond her legal victory, Baylis made significant contributions to healthcare innovation. In 1986, she founded Baylis Medical Company, initially importing medical devices to Canada. Under her leadership, the company evolved into a leading developer of innovative medical technologies, particularly in cardiology and pain management. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving patient care have left an indelible mark on the medical field. In 1999, Baylis also received the Jackie Robinson Award for Business Person of the Year.
In this moving reflection, Gloria Baylis’s son, Frank Baylis, former Member of Parliament and Executive Chairman of the Board of Baylis Medical Company, recounts the resilience and determination that drove her to challenge racial discrimination and leave a legacy that continues to shape safer, more equitable workplaces for generations to come:
References:
Flynn, K. (2023, May 12). Gloria Baylis. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/gloria-baylis
Advancing Equity in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care
Recognizing the persistent underrepresentation of Black nurses in healthcare—and the need for greater research and education related to wound, ostomy, and continence care for Black and dark-skinned individuals—NSWOCC is proud to support impactful education at the upcoming WCET®–NSWOCC® 2026 Joint Congress.
This includes the session “Persons with dark skin tones: implications in skin and wound care,” presented by:
Elizabeth A. Ayello (USA)
Emmy Nokaneng (South Africa)
We are grateful to each presenter for sharing their expertise and helping advance inclusive, evidence-informed practice.
Explore the full Congress program at: https://www.wcet-nswocc2026.com/program
Learning, Reflection, and Action
We invite you to join us in honouring Black History Month this February—by learning more about Black Canadian communities, reflecting on the past 30 years of progress, and supporting the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of healthcare.
Together, let’s continue this journey of education and action—not just this month, but as we work toward a more inclusive, equitable, and responsive healthcare environment for all.
For more information about Black History Month in Canada, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html